Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans are an excellent side dish for a summer BBQ. They are simple to create using pinto beans, ham hocks, barbecue sauce, and a flavor-enhancing hidden ingredient. The addition of ground beef makes this meal much more substantial than if it were only beans!

Why Are They Called Cowboy Beans?

The term presumably dates back to the days of cowboys and chuck wagons, when pioneers traveling the routes needed fast, simple, and protein-rich diets. Beans have a long shelf life and can be prepared with just water, making them an ideal staple food for lengthy voyages.

Ingredients That You’ll Need:

Ground Beef – I like to use lean ground beef, but you can use any kind. Just be sure to drain the grease before continuing with the recipe.
Bacon – The bacon adds a savory, smoky note that completely elevates the finished dish.
Onion – 1 small onion, diced fine.
Pork & Beans – Van Camp’s brand is the only brand I use. Use the whole can, including the sauce.
Canned Beans – I like to use a 3-bean blend but any 15-ounce can of beans work, like kidney beans, butter beans, or black beans.
Liquid Smoke – This liquid seasoning is made from condensing smoke from burning wood. It adds a smoky flavor without the use of any smoke.
Barbecue Sauce – Use your favorite bottled sauce or make some homemade BBQ sauce.
Brown Sugar
Garlic Powder or Minced Garlic – You can also add some chili powder or paprika for a little bit of heat.

Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans — Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans

What Smoked Meat Should Be Used in Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans?

Traditionally, the somewhat charred ends of Texas barbecue brisket or tri-tip would have been used in cowboy beans. The idea is to use meat that has a smoky taste that can withstand being cooked for an extended period of time. However, if you don’t have any smoked meat, you may use cooked ground beef and some liquid smoke for your Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans.

What Beans Should Be Used For Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans?

You may use any or a mix of the following beans for Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans:

Pinto beans
Red kidney beans
Black beans
White navy beans

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heat the olive oil in a 5-quart Dutch oven or other oven-safe, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat for 1 minute.
Add the ground beef, bacon, onion, and garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, until the ground meat is no longer pink. Remove the majority of the liquid from the pan.
Stir the remaining ingredients into the meat mixture. Cover the Dutch oven and bake the beans for 45 minutes.

How to Serve Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans

This is a terrific recipe for game day gatherings, a cold night’s supper, or a substantial holiday side dish! It is quite versatile and can be prepared in several ways.

Main Course: Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans can easily stand on their own served with cornbread or handmade biscuits and garnished with sour cream, Fritos, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and chopped onions.
Side Dish: Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans make a great hearty side and go really well with Baked Ham, Pulled Pork Sliders, Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken, or Grilled Steak. Alternatively, you can serve the beans as part of your holiday feast alongside Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes or Creamy Cornbread Casserole.
Appetizer: Have you ever thought about using Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans as a dip? They are delicious as a dip, served with tortilla chips next to other favorites like Chicken Crack Dip or Spinach Artichoke Dip. Deviled Eggs or Bacon Cheddar Pinwheels are also great options to serve with cownboy beans.

Can You Make Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans in a Slow Cooker?

If you want to free up your oven, slow cooker Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans are the way to go! Rather than baking the beans in the oven, place all of the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You should cook the meat, bacon, and onions on the stove before proceeding with the recipe.

How to Store Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans in the Fridge

Leftover Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 to 5 days. Then, you can reheat single servings in the microwave or larger quantities in the oven or on the stovetop.

How to Store Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans in the Freezer

Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans can be stored in a plastic freezer bag or storage container for up to 4 months in the freezer. Make sure to push out as much air from the freezer bag as possible before putting the beans in the freezer. Then, when you are ready to serve the beans, thaw them in the fridge overnight, and then reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How to Reheat Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans in an oven-safe dish and cover it with an oven-safe lid or aluminum foil. Then, reheat the beans for around 5 to 10 minutes.
In The Microwave: Place the beans in a microwave-safe container and cover it with plastic wrap or a paper towel. Reheat Pioneer Woman’s Cowboy Beans in the microwave for 30 seconds and then determine whether they are thoroughly warmed. If needed, you can continue to heat them for 30-second intervals until they are heated through.
In Air Fryer: Heat the beans in an air fryer heated to 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes. The leftover Pioneer Woman Cowboy Beans will taste just as delicious as the night before.